Traps · Dumbbell

Standing Dumbbell Upright Row

A compound movement that trains your traps, done with a dumbbell. Your biceps and shoulders help out.

Standing Dumbbell Upright Row, starting positionStanding Dumbbell Upright Row, end position

Muscles you'll work

Standing Dumbbell Upright Row muscles worked, front viewStanding Dumbbell Upright Row muscles worked, back view
TrapsPrimaryBiceps · ShouldersSecondary

How to do it

  1. Grasp a dumbbell in each hand with a pronated (palms forward) grip that is slightly less than shoulder width. The dumbbells should be resting on top of your thighs. Your arms should be extended with a slight bend at the elbows and your back should be straight. This will be your starting position.
  2. Use your side shoulders to lift the dumbbells as you exhale. The dumbbells should be close to the body as you move it up and the elbows should drive the motion. Continue to lift them until they nearly touch your chin. Tip: Your elbows should drive the motion. As you lift the dumbbells, your elbows should always be higher than your forearms. Also, keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement.
  3. Lower the dumbbells back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

More trap exercises

Dumbbell ShrugBarbell ShrugCable ShrugsDeadlift High Pull
EquipmentDumbbell
TypeCompound
Push or pullPull
LevelBeginner

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